Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-11-04
letter from Minneapolis.

Mr.. EpIToR:-
1t has been my privilege to wit
ness some of the proceedings of the
general Assembly of the Knights of
Labor now in session here. There
we're about 800 delegates present
aud some disturbing questions were
discussed. Mayor Ames welcomed
the Order to the city in short ad-
dress pronounced in his usual school
hoy style. Mentally, morally and
polite lily Minneapolis ought to be
ashamed of her Mayor. In the alb
sence of Mr.. Powderly, General
Worthy Foreman Griffith made a
neat little response in behalf of the
organization. The work of the first
day was mostly getting organized.
On the morning of the 4th ult.
the assembly began its regular ses,
sion in Harmonic Hall. The decor
ations were very neat and got up
with admirable taste. The notices
SIand, Labor, Love, Education"
can Injury to one is the Concern of
AL" occupied prominent places.
Evergreens were woven around the
gallery and bunting, fowers,and pic
lures of noted labor advocates were
tastefolly displayed. In the even
ing at 'ut 10000 people listened to
the ado ress of General Master Work
man Povderly. Mr. Powderly on
his appearance was received with
great applause which it was plain to
see was unfeigned and sincere. The
address was an eloquent appeal for
the better treatment of the working
man. The appearance of the speak
err is such that it catches at once
your attention and marks him as a
superior man, the strong cast of
features, the eye at one time so ex-
pressive of sympathy and kindness,
at another time cleaning with stern
determination, the whole expression
of the face so eloquent with moral
virtue, are all the attributes of a
noble man. He speaks earnestly
and with dignity, but is never often
siye in advocating his theories and
beliefs. The Knights are remark
ably fortunate in the possession of
such leader. He has contributed
a moral strength which has done
much to increase the influence of the
order. For four years he has been
Chief Executive of the greatest in
dustrial secret society that ever ex-
listed. Let the Knights follow the
plan of their wise leader and their
future are illimitable.
On the subjects of socialism, i'm
migration, strikes, temperance and
other great questions Mr.. Powderly
speaks with no uncertain sound. He
says: GAIL there is good in me l owe
to the training of my mother and
the Influence of a good wife. BY
their efforts / can say to-day that l
neither drink, chew nor smoke" Of
such are the results Of true woman.
hood. Though far from being a
bigot, he is devoted Catholic and
lives up to his belief with admirable
sincerity. To meet so true man
marks pleasant spot in ones life
He is entirely free from that boast
full, egotiJtical bearing often char
acteristic of men in high positions
which is probably due to life o.
constant hard work-that prime
method of making noble men.
One of the greatest ovations eve
accorded mortal man was giver
Michael Davitt as he entered tn,
Assembly of the Knights of Labo
on Wednesday morning. AS h
walked up the aisle the whole Assem-
bly, rose to their feet and greeted
him with deafening cheer. TIL
Master Workman asked "Does Nh
Davitt need an introduction ?" ii
was answered with cries of emo, no.
MFR. Powderly then said: "The ma
who is the idol of my heart is her
to-day. One whom | love, whom
have followed for years, whom, wer
it in my power, l would elevate t
the highest pinnacle. He is the n
preventative of labor in ireland an
in the old world" Mr.. Davi
stepped forward amid tremendor
cheering and read an address frol
manuscript. He is a tall thin MAJ
WITH w intensely black beard, an